About the Yarraville Community Centre

YCC is a vibrant community hub that provides education, training and support to more than 2000 people each week.

As a community-managed adult education provider in western metropolitan Melbourne, we offer a wide range of courses. But there’s much more.

We provide community services such as free public access to computers, occasional childcare and service referrals. We can develop curriculum and manage projects. Our facilities are available for support groups that benefit the local community, and our multipurpose rooms can be hired for meetings and functions.

Yarraville Community Centre Inc (YCC) was established in 1975 with the assistance of local, State and Federal Government funds. YCC is a registered training organisation, Adult Community and Further Education provider, Learn Local provider, Neighbourhood House, and Skills for Education and Employment program (SEE) provider. YCC is also registered to provide Occasional Care.

YCC programs and services are supported by the City of Maribyrnong and by Federal and State Governments.

History

For over 40 years, YCC has been providing education, training programs and services to the people of western metropolitan Melbourne. Yet our history of community support and involvement is longer than that, dating back to the origins of our buildings.

Our main site in Francis Street was originally home to the Yarraville State School, which was established in 1866 as the result of a strong 10-year campaign by the local community. When the building was destroyed by fire in 1888 the current site was redeveloped, again through the local community banding together.

The primary school closed in the early 1970s and became the YCC in 1975, amalgamating with the Blackwood Street Neighbourhood House in 2000.

Serious deterioration put the original building (and the YCC) in jeopardy. In 2006, a major community campaign was launched to secure funding to restore the building and expand the programs and services.

Our Blackwood Street site is another heritage building in a unique setting. Originally an old quarryman’s cottage built in the 1800s, it sits in the middle of tranquil Beaton Park.

Our new premises in Victoria Street, Footscray has been fitted out with 6 brand new classrooms which are ideal for meetings, conferences or courses.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. We offer our respect to the Elders of these traditional lands and, through them, to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Services

We offer a wide range of programs and services for all members of our community.

Our facilities can be accessed by people of all abilities.

These include:

short courses

children’s programs

computers

cooking

gardening

dance and movement

sustainability

disability, recreational and arts-based activities

English as an Additional Language at sites across the City of Maribyrnong

childcare

computer, internet and office equipment access

broadband for seniors kiosk

free wifi at Francis St

meeting rooms

venue hire that includes a large hall, computer rooms, art rooms, a well equipped kitchen and more

curriculum development and training delivery

programs for disadvantaged people

special and targeted projects

referrals and information.

Going green

Caring for the community and the environment is a key focus for YCC. That’s why we’ve implemented a range of sustainability initiatives to lower our carbon footprint and reduce our impact on the planet.

Our best practice water management plan includes rainwater harvesting that connects to cisterns and a drip system. We’ve installed a filter and swale in the car park to capture and filter pollutants from the first rain run.

We buy our electricity through a network that offers competitive prices and positive environmental outcomes.

Our building design features include high levels of natural light along with integrated smart building systems for power, light and communication. We’ve used laminated glass on all our windows and doors. Outdoors, the surrounding areas have been landscaped with indigenous plants. We understand the importance of recycling: our waste management strategies include recycled paper and electronic files.

Governance

YCC is a not-for-profit organisation that is managed by an independent Board comprising people who live and work in our area. Daily management of YCC is the responsibility of employed staff, assisted by a team of dedicated volunteers.

Not-for-profit status

YCC has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, which means that any donations above $2 are fully tax deductible. All donations are gratefully accepted and will help us to expand our programs and services to assist those most in need. Call us to discuss donation options today.